How to Clean Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tile floors are a favorite for their durability, beauty, and low-maintenance nature. Keeping them clean and well-maintained is easier than you might think. With a few simple tips and the right approach, you can keep your tiles looking brand new for years to come.
Why Porcelain Tiles are Low Maintenance
Did you know that porcelain tiles are virtually maintenance-free? Thanks to the extremely high temperatures they endure during the kiln firing process, their surfaces become ultra-resistant, compact, and waterproof. This makes them highly durable and easy to care for.
What makes kitchen plates so easy to clean is their glaze — and porcelain tiles come with an even better glaze, cooked under much higher temperatures. Combined with the dense composition of their body, porcelain tiles are stronger than ceramic tiles and offer superior performance for both residential and commercial spaces.
While they are low-maintenance, some situations, like spills or tough stains, may require special attention. Follow the steps below to ensure your tiles stay sparkling clean without damage.
What makes kitchen plates so easy to clean is their glaze — and porcelain tiles come with an even better glaze, cooked under much higher temperatures. Combined with the dense composition of their body, porcelain tiles are stronger than ceramic tiles and offer superior performance for both residential and commercial spaces.
While they are low-maintenance, some situations, like spills or tough stains, may require special attention. Follow the steps below to ensure your tiles stay sparkling clean without damage.
Essential Cleaning Tips for Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are maintenance-free products. You don’t need to do anything to maintain your tiles. They are made to last just the way they are. Even better, they are very easy to clean. In most cases, just water (universal solvent) is enough.
However there may be times when just water is not enough. This guide is for those moments.
When products such as dyes come into contact with the porcelain surface, can stain it. For this reason, we recommend cleaning it as soon as possible.
We should never clean the porcelain or ceramic tiles with acidic cleaning agents. Especially, if the floors are newly installed. The reason is that the acid can react with the unset cement and this would damage the joints and leave insoluble compounds on top of the porcelain pieces. We should never use cleaners that contain hydrofluoric acid.
For regular maintenance we only need periodic cleaning with water and a degreaser. We recommend neutral PH cleaners that do not contain polishes or waxes. Metal spatulas or abrasive pads should not be used. You can always a plastic spatula.
However there may be times when just water is not enough. This guide is for those moments.
When products such as dyes come into contact with the porcelain surface, can stain it. For this reason, we recommend cleaning it as soon as possible.
We should never clean the porcelain or ceramic tiles with acidic cleaning agents. Especially, if the floors are newly installed. The reason is that the acid can react with the unset cement and this would damage the joints and leave insoluble compounds on top of the porcelain pieces. We should never use cleaners that contain hydrofluoric acid.
For regular maintenance we only need periodic cleaning with water and a degreaser. We recommend neutral PH cleaners that do not contain polishes or waxes. Metal spatulas or abrasive pads should not be used. You can always a plastic spatula.
Here’s how you can maintain your porcelain tiles with ease:
Clean Up Spills Quickly
Spills, especially from products like dyes, can stain your tiles. To prevent this, clean up any spills as soon as possible.
Stick with Neutral pH Cleaners
Avoid acidic cleaners or those containing hydrofluoric acid. These can damage grout and even harm the porcelain’s surface, especially on newly installed tiles. Neutral pH cleaners without polishes or waxes are your best bet.
Use Gentle Tools
Stay away from metal spatulas or abrasive pads that can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for soft cloths, mops, or non-abrasive sponges.
Keep Entrances Covered
Place mats or rugs at the entrances to catch dirt, sand, or other particles stuck to your shoes. This minimizes wear and tear on your tiles.
Periodic Maintenance
Regular cleaning with water and a mild degreaser is enough for everyday care. Water is often all you need for quick cleanups.
Spills, especially from products like dyes, can stain your tiles. To prevent this, clean up any spills as soon as possible.
Stick with Neutral pH Cleaners
Avoid acidic cleaners or those containing hydrofluoric acid. These can damage grout and even harm the porcelain’s surface, especially on newly installed tiles. Neutral pH cleaners without polishes or waxes are your best bet.
Use Gentle Tools
Stay away from metal spatulas or abrasive pads that can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for soft cloths, mops, or non-abrasive sponges.
Keep Entrances Covered
Place mats or rugs at the entrances to catch dirt, sand, or other particles stuck to your shoes. This minimizes wear and tear on your tiles.
Periodic Maintenance
Regular cleaning with water and a mild degreaser is enough for everyday care. Water is often all you need for quick cleanups.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Porcelain Tiles
Understanding what not to do is just as important. Follow these rules to avoid damage to your tiles:
Never use acidic cleaning agents, especially on new installations, as they could react with unset grout and create insoluble compounds.
Avoid cleaners with hydrofluoric acid at all costs.
Steer clear of polish- or wax-based products that could leave residue and reduce your tiles’ natural sheen.
Never use acidic cleaning agents, especially on new installations, as they could react with unset grout and create insoluble compounds.
Avoid cleaners with hydrofluoric acid at all costs.
Steer clear of polish- or wax-based products that could leave residue and reduce your tiles’ natural sheen.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
Sometimes, water and mild cleaning agents aren’t enough for stubborn stains. For those tough spots, here’s a handy guide to cleaning products based on the type of stain commonly encountered.
| TYPE OF STAIN | CLEANING AGENTS |
| Cement | Cleaning products based on degreasing acids |
| Rust deposits | Scale remover. Barkeepers Friend |
| Oils | Universal solvent (Water), white spirit, acetone, alcohol |
| Fats | Ammonia, Universal solvent, white spirit, acetone, alcohol |
| Tar or Bitumen | Universal solvent (Water), white spirit, acetone, alcohol |
| Paint | Universal solvent (Water), white spirit, acetone, alcohol |
| Rubber | Universal solvent (Water) (Water), white spirit, acetone, alcohol |
| Beer or Wine | Ammonia, Degreaser. |
| Lodine | Diluted bleach |
| Blood | Universal solvent (Water) |
| Coffee, tea or juices | Universal solvent (Water), white spirit, acetone, alcohol |
| Ink or Mercromine | Universal solvent (Water), white spirit, acetone, alcohol |
| Nicotine | Universal solvent (Water), white spirit, acetone, alcohol, diluted bleach |
Using the correct product for the right stain will save you time and protect your tiles from damage.
The Bottom Line
Porcelain tiles combine beauty, durability, and ease of care, making them a fantastic choice for your home. With the tips above, you’ll keep your tiles looking as good as new with minimal effort.
